Preview: Prey 2 is a sequel in name only

Prey 2 is nothing like the original Prey. It’s set in the same general universe. There are aliens. Seriously, that’s about it. You’re not even controlling original protagonist Tommy, but instead taking the role of U.S. Marshal Killian Samuels, tracking people down and capturing them.

In the game, slated for a 2012 release on PS3, 360 and PC, you spend most of your time getting from point to point, chasing people and dealing with various ambushes and unexpected firefights. Developer Human Head Studios focused on a free-running, free-climbing approach, letting you try to pursue bad guys in the ways they would in action movies: climbing here, slipping through there, jumping off ledges and such.

The whole thing’s set on a dark, noir-feeling world called Exodus. There are areas that are especially seedy, and then… actually, we think all the areas are especially seedy. It doesn’t do much for believability, but it makes for an intense area to try to conduct business.

Otherwise, the game’s structured around your career as a bounty hunter on this alien planet. You track someone down, fight them and capture them, dead or alive. Sometimes various parties will intervene and complicate your plans. Sometimes targets will try to bribe you with more money to let them go. These are the variables, and the choices you make can affect how safe your travels are later.

We’re not sure what to think about Prey 2 yet. It looks nice, but it feels like something else needs to be in the mix to make it hold up for the hours it would need to.